AUSTRALIAN PLANTS

The soils of Australia, being relatively ancient, are desperately infertile and yet they support an extraordinary number of plants, something in excess of 27,000 species. Some are very specially adapted to geological or climatic conditions. Many will adapt spendidly to the relatively artificial conditions of our gardens. 

Before planting out natives, the more the soil is prepared the better. For example, extensive digging over will help loosen compacted soils. Digging in some compost or other organic matter like straw or peat will help the plants along.

The plant should be put into the ground so that no part of its stem lies below the level of the surrounding soil. In regular soils some gardeners like to use a slow release fertiliser, but it is not usually necessary. Most natives will not tolerate high phosphorus fertilisers. Plants from eastern Australia generally prefer acidic soils. With heavier clay soils, the addition of some gypsum and extra humus will make the soil more friable. In most cases it will help to make a substantial mound, to at least 30cm (12"), where the plants are to go in order to give better drainage.

SOIL PREPARATION

And, once they're planted, let them be: no digging, sparing use of organic fertilisers like blood and bone. Because they're so adapted to drought, most Australian natives only need watering during the early days after they are planted out. Excessive watering encourages a shallow root system that is dependent on artificial watering. Always mulch well with organic material like old leaves, bark and twigs from the beginning.

A GARDEN PLAN

The first step in designing your garden should be to sketch a plan of your house and the property boundaries, marking in north and any existing features you want to keep. Always note location of sewer, power and phone lines. A large tree on top of the sewerage or too close to the house can give nasty headaches in the years to come.

Then sketch a plan taking side elevations of special aspects, say, the view from the loungeroom window. First locate the larger species, and work down.

Note the location of any species that will need watering and mark in the route of a watering system. This will be more economical than using a hose and sprinkler.

When planning, think of the natives in terms of groundcovers, understorey and taller shrubs or trees. As the taller species grow up, the understorey and groundcovers will happily occupy the gaps. Particular species like the Waratah can make striking specimens when situated in exactly the right position.

SELECT THE RIGHT PLANT

When designing your garden, consider that there will be the sunny and shady sides of your house. This part of the garden may suffer more from frost, another from salty winds. One part might be damper than another. Different plants will suit the varying aspects of each garden. Always consider the special tolerances of species you are selecting. Most rainforest species, for example, will flourish in the shadier, damper, more sheltered sites and will also make superb indoor potplants. Many natives adapt well as potplants.

You can choose a range of natives so you have flowers in your garden all year round, and you can arrange their colours for the maximum effect. Many bear attractive, often edible fruits. Plan also for the maximum fragrance and striking foliage colours.

Australian gardening styles often seem informal. They use the myriad forms of the bush and reflect the complexity of its beauty.

 WILDFLOWER SEEDS

Many natives grow readily from seed. Wildflower seeds have been specially selected for their adaptability and provenance. They are easy-to-grow in a wide range of situations and climates. They also represent some of the most striking and distinctive Australian plants available. Full instructions are provided.

More Information?
If you want to know more about gardening, Australian-style, The Australian Native Plant Gardener's Almanac is like no other in the presentation style.

It is easy to use. Set out to show flowering times season by season, it gives an annual planting guide and the special tolerances and features of each plant.

It also includes illustrations, a further reading list and a useful list of native suppliers.